Muhammad bin Umar narrates from his shaykhs that the name of Abu al-Haytham bin al-Tayyihan was Malik. He belonged to the tribe of Baliyy bin Amr bin al-Haf bin Quda'ah, and he was an ally of Banu Abd al-Ashhal. Abu al-Haytham bin al-Tayyihan and As'ad bin Zurarah (may Allah be pleased with them both) were among the very first of the Ansar in Makkah to accept Islam and to meet the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) before their people, and they came to Madinah with the good news of Islam. Abu al-Haytham was among the seventy of the Ansar who took the Pledge of al-Aqabah, and he was one of the twelve nuqaba' (chief representatives); there is no disagreement about this. The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) established brotherhood between him and Uthman bin Maz'un (may Allah be pleased with him). Abu al-Haytham (may Allah be pleased with him) took part in the battles of Badr, Uhud, al-Khandaq and all the battles alongside the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him).

It is reported from Salih bin Kaysan that Abu al-Haytham bin al-Tayyihan (may Allah be pleased with him) died during the caliphate of Sayyiduna Umar bin al-Khattab (may Allah be pleased with him).

It is reported from the elders of Banu Abd al-Ashhal that Abu al-Haytham bin al-Tayyihan (may Allah be pleased with him) died in the year 20 AH in Madinah.